I learned C from Kochan too and agree it was a great book. But C was my third or fourth language, not my first, and I don't recommend C as a first language. Probably Java is a good first language today.

The Slovakian cops apologized to the Irish government but not to the guy they planted?

I agree, it's been many years since O'Reilly books were consistently excellent. My first disappointment was 'Security Warrior'. They still have may good titles, though.